Autism Alert Cards

Here to constantly improve the wellbeing and understanding of those living with autism.

Individuals on the autism spectrum may present unusually to those without an understanding of autism. This could cause unnecessary stress and difficulty both for the individual with autism and the person dealing with them. In particular, public and emergency services professionals may be presented with challenges as a result of an individual’s unique behaviour.

Recognising this, Scottish Autism has been working closely with public service professionals in the Strathclyde and Central Scotland areas to develop a greater understanding of autism which has led to the development of an Autism Alert card.

This card enables those who carry it to identify themselves as having an autism spectrum disorder. The card highlights how the bearer may have difficulties in talking and listening and may show signs of unusual behaviour. It also includes a named contact who can offer their support to help police, ambulance, hospital and other key public service professionals better understand the individual’s autism needs.

Strathclyde Autism Alert Card

Our West of Scotland Area Service has worked in partnership with The Autism Resource Centre, Health Department, Glasgow City Council and the Voluntary Sector over the past few years to develop a greater understanding of autism in the Criminal Justice System.

A Criminal Justice subgroup has emerged bringing together the full range of Criminal Justice services, the aim of which is to support and enable them to better meet the needs of people with autism.

In addition it has sought to examine the Criminal Justice pathway and where appropriate seek to prevent people with autism becoming unnecessarily involved in it. To date it has:

Produced an Autism Alert Card with nearly 500 issued so far

Carried out a problem assessment study within HMP Barlinnie that identified the significant over prevalence of ASD in the prison system

Produced a training DVD and further Good Practice Guidance for Strathclyde Police and other Criminal Justice professionals

Delivered training to Social Work Criminal Justice Staff and NHS Forensic staff at both basic and advanced levels and formed a network of link practitioners from these groups

Delivered training to police surgeons

Produced a report on the gaps in Criminal Justice services for people with ASD, which has subsequently become an action plan for addressing those gaps

Sought to promote initiatives from all sectors that assist in the core aims of the group.

Find out more about the Strathclyde Autism Alert Card or for more information, please contact the Autism Resource Centre in Glasgow:

Central Scotland Autism Alert Card

Scottish Autism and Central Scotland Police have teamed up to launch a new autism awareness initiative in Central Scotland aimed at developing a greater understanding of autism in public services.

The new Autism Alert Card enables those who carry it to identify themselves as being on the autism spectrum. The card highlights how the bearer may have difficulties in talking and listening and may show signs of unusual behaviour. It also includes a named contact who can offer their support to help police, ambulance, hospital and other key public service professionals better understand the individual’s autism needs.

Certain characteristics that are often associated with autism such as high anxiety or hyper-sensitivity to being touched or exposed to loud noises can result in a difficult and stressful situation for all parties involved. The Autism Alert Card is a simple identification designed to reduce this potential for misunderstanding and ensure that people living with autism get the best possible support.

The initiative is being launched with the support of NHS and the Central Scotland local authorities, Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils, who will promote the Autism Alert Card via GP surgeries, health centres, social work departments and education establishments.